Since looking at Fibromyalgia, much of this discussion has been about LTF. Are there other causes of Fibromyalgia? The simple answer is yes, however, some of them may be indirectly related to your thyroid function. I will discuss a few here as well as provide other references.
First regardless of the cause, I want to say that it is important to take care of yourself. For me, that means going to the gym twice a week to do moderate resistance training. I eat healthy, and practice a Yoga type of stretching. I meditate daily (meditation being a great tool to learn to be more present, which among other things helps with stress).
- Genetic. Treatment options include those mentioned above, and include any other self care techniques that you find beneficial.
- Accident. After suffering from a car accident for example that causes whiplash, you may need therapy. Treatment options include body work therapy, such as Physical Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Chiropractic. I’m leaning more toward what I call gentle Chiropractic these days, but regardless who you see, check with their referrals, and make sure you feel comfortable with them.
Most people bounce back from accidents, but some see them as the beginning of their spiral downward with health problems. If your symptoms continue seek professional help for thyroid treatment, for the reasons previously discussed. Your low thyroid levels could very well be the cause of your Fibromyalgia.
- Nutritional. There are so many books written regarding nutrition. Many of them contain valid information, though often you have to wade through a lot of fluff, or information that may not pertain to you.
I suggest you seek the advice of a Registered Dietician. I do this because of their core understanding of nutrition, biochemistry, and ability to make suggestions for your specific health needs. Also I would like to make a few book suggestions; The Only Diet There Is, One Man’s Food is Another Man’s Poison, check out a book on vegetarianism, If this is Tuesday it Must be Chicken.
And if you think eating right is difficult or pricy, remember this, beans and rice, are a staple diet for many in other developing countries. They are cheap, and can be the building blocks for a healthy complete diet.
- Food Allergies. Food allergies usually come after your body has been compromised in some way; hormone imbalance, stress, chemicals, accident, genetics, psych/emotional issues, etc. Saying that, however, treating food allergies can play an important part in regaining your health. If you suspect food allergies, some supplements to look into are L-glutamine, 4-8grams/day, Vitamin C, 3000-5000mg/day, MSM ¼ tsp 2X day up to ½ tblsp 2X day. One of the best methods for determining food allergies is the elimination diet. Eating foods that your body is NOT allergic to, and addressing other issues that you may have will give your body the break it needs to begin to recover. The process may take time. We don’t get sick overnight, so have patience.
- Detox System. Finally a word or two about your detox system. There are books that you can reference, that can provide you with more information than you really need. For our purpose let’s say that your body detoxes through your lungs, skin, liver, intestines, and kidneys.
Eating well, drinking fresh clean water, and living a clean lifestyle will help your body to naturally detox. Structural body work techniques will facilitate this process by releasing restrictions that may impede blood and oxygen flow, and also open energy flows that can hold psychological and emotional stress. Sauna therapy and exercise will help mobilize fat cells and help your body to literally sweat out toxins. Specific supplements can help facilitate this process such as, Vitamin C, fish oils, B complex, l-glutathione, and milk thistle. Liver detox formulas can help the function and process of your liver. Besides herbal formulas that contain milk thistle, a simple remedy you can make at home requires ½ a lemon squeezed into ½ a glass of water, with 2 tblsps of olive oil. Drinking this every morning at least half an hour before eating for at least two weeks can facilitate normal liver / gallbladder function.
I don’t normally make specific supplement recommendations, but I have heard good things about an internal cleansing program for parasites by UniKey Health. It comes recommended by Louise Gittleman.
There are a host of other resources on the subject of Thyroid function, as well as Fibromyalgia. My purpose here was not to try and provide all the answers, rather to provide you with a different perspective, and to get you to continue your own search.
PS. I don't know very much about this treatment, but have heard about it over the years with interest, Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy. Naltrexone is a medication used to help those addicted to opiates, but used in low doses taken at night it seems to reset immune receptors shared with those for opiates...my suggestion, look it up.
PS. I don't know very much about this treatment, but have heard about it over the years with interest, Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy. Naltrexone is a medication used to help those addicted to opiates, but used in low doses taken at night it seems to reset immune receptors shared with those for opiates...my suggestion, look it up.
